Alstom wins contract to extend Le Mans trams in France
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‘Le Mans Métropole’ has chosen Alstom for its project to extend existing Citadis trams
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The contract awarded to Alstom for 57 million euro includes the extension of the 34 trams of the city, from 32 to 44 metres, and the modernisation of some specific systems
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The lengthening of the trams will increase transport capacity by 40%
12 March 2024 – Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been chosen by ‘Le Mans Métropole’ to extend the existing Citadis trams of the city. The 34 32-metre-long Alstom trams, acquired successively in 2007, 2010 and 2013, will be extended to 44 metres, increasing passenger capacity by 85 passengers per tram.
After the complete assessment of a first tram, the project will also enable some systems to be modernised (CCTV, tachometric control unit) and new ones to be installed (lubrication and anti-drift systems).
"Alstom is very proud to be carrying out this project to extend the Le Mans metropolitan authority’s trams, thereby contributing to the development of a more modern, higher-capacity urban transport network."
“Alstom is very proud to be carrying out this project to extend the Le Mans metropolitan authority’s trams, thereby contributing to the development of a more modern, higher-capacity urban transport network. These energy-efficient Citadis trams will also improve comfort and operating conditions. We would like to thank Le Mans Métropole for its renewed confidence in our tramway solutions,” said Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud, President of Alstom France.
Delivery of the first extended trams is scheduled in March 2026, with commercial service expected to begin in the summer of 2026.
Citadis trams to enhance passenger well-being
With a length of 44 metres and a width of 2.40 m, the extended trams will have two additional double doors on each side, to make it easier for passengers to get on and off. They will have a total capacity of 296 passengers.
Compliant with the PMR (People with Reduced Mobility) regulation, the extended trams will benefit from the improvements made to the existing fleet in 2023.
For a comfortable journey in complete safety, these Citadis trams will be air-conditioned and equipped with a dynamic passenger information system currently under development, as well as a new CCTV system.
Energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly trams
At the same time as providing an enhanced level of service and comfort for passengers, these energy-efficient Citadis trams will incorporate air-conditioning systems that comply with the latest environmental regulations.
These trams are eco-designed, 92% recyclable and 99% reusable.
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44the trams will be extended from 32 to 44 metres
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40%transport capacity will increase by 40%
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57million euro contract
Seven Alstom sites in France will contribute to the success of this project
All the work required to build the first extended tram will be carried out at Alstom’s La Rochelle site. The other 33 trams will be assembled in Le Mans by Alstom Services teams from La Rochelle and Crespin, at the Setram[1] workshops.
In total, teams from seven Alstom sites in France will be involved in the project:
- La Rochelle and Crespin, for the design, industrialisation and assembly of the trams;
- Le Creusot, for bogies;
- Ornans, for engines;
- Villeurbanne, for on-board electronics;
- Aix-en-Provence, for tachometric units;
- Tarbes, for cooling units and power modules.
A leader in low-floor trams and rail services
To date, Alstom has sold more than 3,000 Citadis trams to 70 cities in 20 countries around the world (including 25 cities in France). Citadis trams have covered more than one billion kilometres and carried 10 billion passengers since the first tram entered service in 2000.
Alstom is the market leader in rail services, supporting customers over the entire asset lifecycle with the broadest portfolio of services solutions. Alstom’s FlexCare Modernise portfolio enhances and extends the lifetime of rolling stock with Life, Smart and Green modernisation solutions. Alstom addresses a wide range of customer needs including minimising lifecycle costs, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing passenger comfort and train performance. Alstom has modernised over 40,000 vehicles around the world.
Alstom™, FlexCare Modernise™ and Citadis™ are registered trademarks of the Alstom Group.
[1] Setram is the operator of the Le Mans trams. Setram stands for ‘Société d'économie mixte des transports en commun de l'agglomération mancelle’ (which means semi-public company for public transport in the Le Mans area).
